Stephen Frears' half-hearted look into a very unlikely friendship…
Set 29 years into Britain’s rule over India, the opening scenes of this film depict the crowded streets and bustling markets of Agra. It is here that a British soldier recruits two young men in order to present a ceremonial coin to the reigning Queen of England and Empress of India: Victoria.
After their long voyage across the sea their first look at Queen Victoria is with soup dribbling down her chin. Dame Judi Dench looks noticeably different as the heavy, jaded and ill-mannered monarch. Queen Victoria is shown to perk up however when the handsome and tall Abdul Karim (Ali Fazel) enters to present her with the gift from India.
From this point on, Abdul is appointed to be the Queen's aide. She admits her loneliness to him, and looks to his youthfulness as a saviour from her tired existence. When she learns that Abdul is Muslim she asks to be taught Urdu and passages of the Qur’an in order to feel connected to India, which she rules over. He gladly teaches her the language and traditions of his culture, and is elected as her 'Munshi,' meaning teacher, declaring him an official member of the royal household.
Left behind in service is Mohammed (Adeel Akhtar) who is reduced to being the blunt and comedic secondary servant as Abdul climbs the ranks. His sarcastic responses although limited, often reference the ridiculousness of royal etiquette or give a needed mention to the oppression of the Empire.
Despite it’s good intentions the film’s comical aspects seem laboured
However, it becomes clear that those that surround the Queen do not welcome Mohammad’s sarcasm or the presence of either the men in the household. Her own son Bertie becomes near obsessed with schemes to relinquish Abdul of his position, most likely out of jealousy of their close bond. The surrounding staff are equally prejudiced, utterly confused by what the Queen could learn from a man from India and eventually taking measures to ensure his downfall.
Yet despite the pressures to return home, Abdul is shown to find a strange but genuine connection with the Queen. This makes for some tender moments in the film, the fragility of her old age and the fragility of Abdul's position as a visitor make sweet moments between the two. This affection is shown in the small things, like the first time Abdul blows his breath into the freezing cold air, or when they discuss the exotic delight of a fresh mango.
Overall the film's story depicts an unlikely friendship that helps both individuals see the world from a different point of view. For Abdul, it seems his lessons surround the cultural ignorance of the British upper class. While Queen Victoria, gains an insight into the mysterious wonders of India and truth about life outside palace walls.
However, despite it’s good intentions the film’s comical aspects seem laboured, and often the butt of the joke is some sort of cultural confusion, which grows tiresome all too quickly. There is also something to say about how much creative license was taken with this film. Although based on the extraordinary private diaries of Abdul Karim, it feels that this film was made with audience pleasing at it’s number one aim. Overall this film could have benefited from keeping true to the era without the injections of questionable comedy, but still makes for a good watch to learn about the astounding true story.
Victoria and Abdul is screening at Broadway Cinema until Thursday, October 5th
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